Tamiflu (oseltamivir): fast facts and safe buying tips

Tamiflu can cut a day off your flu and keep you out of bed — but only if you start it early. This page tells you what Tamiflu does, who should consider it, common side effects, and simple tips for buying it online without getting burned.

What it is: Tamiflu is the brand name for oseltamivir, an oral antiviral that fights influenza A and B. It blocks the virus from leaving infected cells, so the infection spreads less quickly. Doctors use it for treatment and sometimes for short-term prevention after exposure.

How Tamiflu works and when to take it

The drug works best within 48 hours of symptom start. Taken early, it shortens illness and can lower the risk of complications like pneumonia. Typical adult treatment is 75 mg twice a day for five days; dosing for children depends on weight. If your symptoms started more than two days ago, Tamiflu may help less, but your clinician will advise.

Take Tamiflu with food if you feel nauseous — that often helps. If someone is very sick, a doctor may choose IV antivirals or hospital care instead.

Common side effects are nausea and vomiting. Less often people report headaches or dizziness. Rarely, some people, especially children, show mood changes or confusion. If you see severe behavioral changes, get medical help right away.

Tamiflu can interact with other drugs, so tell your doctor about medicines you take and about pregnancy or breastfeeding. Pregnant people with flu can face higher risks, so antiviral treatment is often recommended after a medical consult.

Resistance to oseltamivir exists but is uncommon. Health authorities watch for resistant strains and may adjust treatment recommendations during outbreaks.

How to buy Tamiflu safely online

Only buy Tamiflu from licensed pharmacies that require a valid prescription. If a site sells Tamiflu without asking for one, avoid it. Look for clear contact info, a UK or local regulator badge, and customer reviews outside the pharmacy site. Check generic oseltamivir — it’s cheaper and the same active drug.

Use secure payment methods and avoid deals that seem too good to be true. When your order arrives, verify packaging and expiry dates before starting the medicine. If anything looks wrong, don’t take the tablets and report the seller.

People with kidney problems need dose changes. Tell your doctor about kidney disease; lower doses or longer intervals may be needed. Keep Tamiflu in original packaging at room temperature away from moisture. Don't use past expiry. If you vomit within 30 minutes of a dose, speak to your doctor about repeating the dose.

Check pharmacy accreditation like MHRA, FDA-registered supplier, or Health Canada listing. If unsure, call the regulator. Ask for a pharmacist consultation before purchase. Expect delivery within a few days; long shipping times reduce usefulness for acute flu. Some online pharmacies offer telemedicine consults — that can be legitimate when handled by a licensed clinician.

Finally, talk to a clinician before starting Tamiflu. They’ll confirm diagnosis, check dosing, and flag interactions. If you want to learn more about buying medicines online safely, see our guides and pharmacy reviews on this site.

Stay safe, informed.